I q, % RE 0 City of epeingg AGENDA REPORT To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members From: Steve Kohn, Assistant Planning Director, July 20, 2016 Agenda Item: 9D - Consider Motion to Accept Lion' s Club Donation of an " Eye Glass" Sculpture to the City of Red Wing to be located in Colvill Park. Meeting Date: July 25, 2016 Attachments Project Description by the Red Wing Lions Club Sculpture Sketch Background The Red Wing Lions Club is requesting that the City Council consider a proposed sculpture donation for permanent placement in Colvill Park. The proposed sculpture is a 24: 1 scale pair of eye glasses that will be constructed of steel and currently has a working name of "River Spectacles". Please see the attached project description for further details and the attached sculpture sketch. Staff from Public Works and Planning have been working with the Lions' sculpture committee regarding the size, height, materials, and placement of the proposed sculpture. The Lions Club indicated that they prefer a riverfront park location for the sculpture and it was determined after working with staff that Colvill Park is best suited for the piece of art. An exact location has not been determined at this time, but the Lions Club prefers a location near the Universal Playground. The sculpture would sit relatively low to the ground and would be placed in a manner where the Mississippi River can be viewed through the glasses. The steel structure will be designed to withstand physical interaction with park visitors; the Lions Club expects that families, especially those with young children, will be drawn to the sculpture. No glass will be used in the lens areas and all edges will be smoothed to eliminate sharp edges. N9
Staff Recommendation Public Works and Planning staff are supportive of this proposed sculpture donation and its proposed location at Colvill Park. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a motion to accept the sculpture donation, which will allow the Lions Club to move forward with the sculpture' s fabrication. A final location and any other details, including a possible sign or plaque, will be brought back to the City Council at a future date for approval prior to installation. b D
On the 1001h Anniversary of Lions Clubs, A sculpture entitled: River Spectacles" ( working title only) Is being donated to the City of Red Wing By the Red Wing Lions Club. This remarkable 24: 1 scale pair of eye glasses will be both symbolic and whimsical. The sculpture will be symbolic of the important work that Lions Clubs have done over the years regarding vision; and also whimsical because size distortion of common objects is amusing, compelling, and always a great photo opportunity. The Red Wing Lions Club was founded in 1946 to serve the Red Wing community and to help prevent blindness and improve vision throughout the world. This sculpture is also a celebration of the local Lions Club' s longevity and vitality. The sculpture will appear like giant horn rimmed glasses measuring approximately 5' high ( at top of glasses when mounted on posts) and 10' wide across. Glasses frames will be 3" wide and 4" thick. The temples will be approximately 9' long and the ends will rest at ground level for support and balance. The entire eye glasses sculpture will be made of steel which will be fabricated in Red Wing at Neufeldt Industrial Services. The sculpture will be welded together and galvanized to prevent rust. The sculpture will also be painted black by Lions Club members. This will be a highly decorative and interesting work of public art and will be a natural draw for tourists, eye glass wearers, and Lions Club
members alike. We believe that children will be especially drawn to these giant glasses. The Lions Club would appreciate a highly visible location like Colvill Park near the Universal Playground where families can enjoy the spectacles together. Every consideration will be made to make interacting with the sculpture fun and safe for families. Your help and consideration of this important civic contribution will be greatly appreciated. Signed, Lion Paul Drotos, Lions' Legacy Committee Chair 7-19- 16